- Steamer
- 50ffw 17m
- 74ft Length
- Chippewa Point, Drummond Island, Lake Huron
- 46 06.314 N
83.44.706 W
History #
Built in 1914 by Captain Edward J. LaWay in Cheboygan, MI, the Steamer E.J. LAYWAY, JR. was named after his young son. With dimensions of 73.1 feet in length, 20.7 feet in beam, and a hull depth of 6.0 feet, the vessel was a versatile transporter, carrying various bulk or package cargo across the upper Great Lakes. Her journey came to an abrupt halt on April 19, 1929, when her hull was sliced by ice near Chippewa Point on Drummond Island, causing the vessel to sink in 50 feet of water.
Captain LaWay, a skilled hard hat diver, returned to the wreck site in 1937 with hopes of raising the vessel for repair. However, the hull damage proved insurmountable, and the idea was abandoned, with only minor equipment salvage taking place.
The Steamer E.J. LAYWAY, JR.’s final voyage began on April 17, 1929, as she set out to deliver coal to a fishing camp on Burnt Island in the North Channel, north of Drummond Island. Picking up the load of coal at the Lime Island coal dock in the lower St. Marys River, the vessel then proceeded towards Burnt Island, navigating through ice-filled waters. At approximately 6 o’clock AM on April 19th, as the ship increased speed in a stretch of open water near Chippewa Point, the hull was punctured by ice, leading to rapid water ingress. Captain LaWay’s attempt to steer for a small island and run the ship aground in shallow waters proved unsuccessful, and the crew had to abandon the vessel as it sank.
Fortunately, there was no loss of life, but the LaWay family suffered the loss of their primary means of livelihood, coinciding with the onset of the Great Depression.
The wreck of the Steamer E.J. LAYWAY, JR. now lies in 50 feet of water, listing slightly to the left, with the stern higher than the bow. While the bow section of the vessel has collapsed and opened, the hull from the cargo hatch rearward remains largely intact. The pilot house, rear upper decks, and cabins have fallen forward and to the left, forming a large debris field on the bottom. Notably, the wreck still houses impressive artifacts, including a steam windlass on what was once a raised foredeck, the ship’s wheel on a large steam-driven steering mechanism, the original boiler, steam engine, engine gauges, and steam condenser. The rudder and propeller are in their rightful place at the stern.
Divers of all levels will find the Steamer E.J. LAYWAY, JR. wreck site an awe-inspiring experience. Its rarity lies in the remarkable preservation of the wreck and the wealth of artifacts that remain present. This unique glimpse into maritime history and the vessel’s final moments makes it an unforgettable destination for exploration.
The wreck is located in 50 feet of water on the westerly side of the channel between Drummond Island’s Chippewa Point and Milford Island, just south of the Canadian border.
Steeped in history and mystery, the Steamer E.J. LAYWAY, JR. offers a remarkable adventure for divers seeking to uncover the secrets of the Great Lakes’ past.
